Former Warrior Andrew Wiggins returned to the Heat and greeted the crowd at Chase Center.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — With an infectious smile that left a lasting mark on Warriors teammates, coaches and fans, Andrew Wiggins stood near Golden State’s bench long before tipoff, waiting for the moment to catch up with old friend Stephen Curry.
Callie took a break from her daily routine to chat and hug before returning to work. Wiggins returned to Chase Center with the Miami Heat on Monday night, exactly one year after the Warriors traded him for Jimmy Butler.
“He’s great,” Curry said before heading to pregame warmups.
Wiggins received warm applause. During pregame introductions, he waved, clapped, and put his hands on his chest. A tribute video was shown on the big screen.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr knew it would be emotional to see Wiggins again, considering how much he meant to the franchise over five and a half seasons, including helping the team win a title in 2022.
“Wiggs is a really great guy and a beloved guy in our locker room. He’s had a lot of success here and helped us turn around two years where we didn’t make the playoffs,” Kerr said. “He was just so much fun to coach every day. That’s just how it feels to have a guy like that on your team and go through so much with him on and off the court and then trade him. It’s just crazy the way this league, this business is run. You have to deal with that, but it’s sad that a relationship like that happens all of a sudden. I mean, we’re still in a relationship but we don’t meet.”
Also on Monday, Butler returned to action against his former team after missing Saturday’s game. 136-116 victory than Charlotte for personal reasons.
Wiggins averaged 15.8 points.In his first full season with Miami, he averaged 4.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists.
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra should understand how much Wiggins’ return means to both teams.
“We know it’s important to him. He had some great moments here, especially during his championship run,” Spoelstra said. “And he’s going to get a great reception, of course, in this building. We’re just grateful to have him. He’s done a lot for us on both ends of the court. I think you can argue that this is the best play of his career, given the complete game and all the responsibility. Because of all the responsibility he has for us.”